In latest TV attack, Casey hits Smith on tax policy

Colby ItkowitzCall Washington Bureau

As public polls last week showed the Pennsylvania Senate beginning to close, Bob Casey wants, and perhaps needs, voters to view Republican Tom Smith has a wealthy, extreme conservative, not a down home, relatable farm boy.

So the incumbent Democrat is up on television this week with a new spot calling Smith out for his plan to simplify the tax code, which Casey's campaign says is code for a national flat tax that would benefit only the wealthiest Americans.

After showing a clip from Smith's latest TV ad (watch that one here) where he says he wants to "simplify the tax code with no giveaways," the image of Smith freezes and moves to the side, still in frame, but largely replaced by a picture of a mansion.

“Tom Smith’s plan would give millionaires like himself a $250,000 tax break, while the average middle class family would get a $2,000 tax increase," an announcer says.

"Unless you’re a millionaire, Tea Party Tom Smith’s not your cup of tea," the narrative continues as a teacup with Smith's face spins on a saucer.

Update: Jim Conroy, Smith's campaign manager, said that the $2,000 middle class tax increase hit is a number used in reference to the Romney-Ryan tax proposal, not Smith's plan as the ad suggests.

“Casey’s attack is not credible and dishonest, and it tells voters everything they need to know about Senator Zero," Conroy said.

Stay tuned for an ad watch on this spot. Last week we fact checked two of the Senate race attacks. Read the one on Casey's ad here and on Smith's ad here.